Band underclassmen march into the spotlight

The marching band plays on the football field during its pre-game show. The Warriors show is called “Fire it up,” and features “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “Fireball,” “Firework,” and “Great Balls of Fire.” This photo was taken on Warriors home turf during their game against Danville, and was provided by Montoursville’s mayor, Mr. Steve Bagwell.

The beginning of the new school year brought a fresh group of students joining the high school band. They, along with the rest of the band have been playing at the football games.

“I am so proud of all of [the underclassmen], they’ve made so much progress! It’s been awesome seeing them grow as a band member but as a person in general,” said sophomore band member Alexis Zimmerman-West.

The band had met in the summer during band camp to practice, and during these two weeks all the band members bonded. No matter the seniority or position in the band, they all had learned to march in time and play the music for the games.

“I definitely want to be percussion section leader my senior year,” said freshman band member Ben Barkauskas.

The current percussion section leader, senior Reese Peterson, spoke of the role of section leaders.

“Section leaders in the band watch the other members in their section, and they give both advice and criticism to their section,” said Peterson. Some of the current section leaders in the band are seniors Reese Peterson and Lea Beishline, and junior Cat Hittle.

The colorguard performs on the football field during its pre-game show. This photo was taken on Warrior’s home turf while they competed against Danville by Steve Bagwell.

“So far I’m really enjoying Colorguard. It’s so much fun to just be up in the stands for the games,” said freshman color guard member Reagan Greene.

Color guard, along with the band, performs during football games. Some of the props they use are flags and fake rifles. They have also used rings, swords and sabers.

“I just joined band in 5th grade because [my sister] Grace did it and I wanted to, but now it’s a lot more for me,” said Barkauskas.

Grace Barkauskas is currently a senior band member, and is the Band President, she also participates in chorus and more.

“I joined color guard because I heard about it from my cousin, heard about tryouts, and decided to give it a try. And I ended up really liking it,” said Greene.

Sophomore Oliver Duarte added his reason for joining the marching band.

“I joined a marching band because I thought it would be a fun new experience for me and I was not disappointed.”

Featured image (at top): Both band and colorguard perform on the football field in their pre-game tunnels. They played “War Cry” and “Victors.” This photo was taken during their game against Danville by Montoursville’s mayor Mr. Steve Bagwell.